FIA expedites probe into CDA project

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has expedited its probe into the Capital Development Authority (CDA) initiated Islamabad Culture Complex.

Through an official letter available with Dawn, the agency on Friday sought record of the mobilisation advance paid, and the non-deduction, by the officials who were deputed to execute the project.

FIA expedites probe into CDA project

The FIA directed the CDA to submit the records by Monday, to finalize the pending inquiry into the construction of the complex. The incomplete Islamabad Cultural Complex was meant to symbolize Pakistani culture. However, the project, which is currently lying, witnessed allegations of corruption that prompted the FIA to launch an inquiry into the matter. The project was the brainchild of former President Pervez Musharraf. The CDA initiated the project in 2007, near Shakarparian, with September 2009 as the date of completion.

According to the PC-1, the project would include nine different buildings spread over 25 acres. It would include two cinemas, cafeterias, study rooms, display centres, art galleries and more. However, the CDA halted the project about five years ago, after completing about 30 per cent of the construction. The project contractor claimed a cost escalation of 75 per cent, citing an increase in the price of construction materials, which saw the cost increasing to over Rs2 billion, from the initial Rs1.1 billion estimate.